Visitors' Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a museum?

The Roycroft Campus is a living, breathing art destination where workshops, lectures and events are happening throughout the year. If you are looking for “historic” pieces and original Roycroft artwork there are pieces and equipment throughout the Campus, including the Visitor Center in the Power House, the Press Room in the Print Shop and the Roycroft Inn. In 2017, a Museum space opened on the Campus in the Print Shop containing historic artifacts, furniture, artwork, letters and books. You will also find contemporay artwork in the Chur Gallery, located in the Power House and throughout the Copper Shop Gallery. There is also an Antique Shop, artist studios and other stores on the Campus ground.

Within walking distance of the Campus you will also find the Elbert Hubbard Roycroft Museum which contains an extensive collection of original books, furniture and copper crafts.

Are there guided or self-guided tours?

There are a variety of tour options of the Campus, including a docent led 1-hour Basic tour, or 2-hour In-depth tour, during our regularly scheduled tour season (May – October). If you provide us with advance notice, we can also arrange a private guided tour any time throughout the year. A self-guided Audio-Video tour is available, as well as a walking tour brochure for those who simply want to stroll around the Campus. For more information regarding tours click here or call the Roycroft Campus at (716) 655-0261 or stop in the Visitor Center at the Power House.

How many buildings are there?

There are 14 buildings listed on the National Historic Landmark register, but not all of these are open to the public. There are 6 main buildings on the Campus in different stages of restoration; the Roycroft Inn, the Chapel, the Print Shop, the Copper Shop, the Furniture Shop and the Power House.

Are the buildings open to the public?

All of the buildings on campus are in different stages of restoration, occupation and ownership. Most of the Campus is open to the general public from 10am – 5pm, seven days a week; these include the Copper Shop, the Furniture Shop, and the Power House. The Roycroft Inn, is a fully functioning Inn and is open to the public for a wonderful dining experience, overnight stay or to simply visit. The Chapel is currently only open during special events. Many of the buildings are available for rentals and may be closed to the public at any given time.

Is there a fee for visiting the Roycroft Campus?

No, there is no fee to visit the Campus. We welcome you to experience the gallery, shops and grounds at your leisure. There are a variety of activities and events that do take place throughout the year, including tours, workshops, lectures, concerts, and film screenings that have an admission. The new Museum space in the Print Show also has an admission and can be combined with a tour package. The funds collected are used for future programming and to support the ongoing restoration of the Campus.

Do artisans work there?

There are currently six artist studios on the Campus, including a furniture maker, stained glass artist, and painter, to name a few. There is no specific schedule as to when they are in. A fully-functioning press room is in the process of restoration in the Print Shop. The Roycroft Copper Shop Gallery displays work from local and national artisans, and workshops are held on the Campus throughout the year by professional artists.

Is the Roycroft Inn part of the campus?

Yes, the Roycroft Inn is located directly across the street from the rest of the Campus, a little journey along the Appian Way. Built in 1897, the Roycroft Inn was the first print shop for Elbert Hubbard’s published works. After multiple expansions, it was finally converted into an Inn and opened in July of 1905. Through extensive restoration, it reopened as an Inn in June of 1995. For more information about the Inn and to make reservations, please visit the Inn’s website at www.roycroftinn.com.

Can I go to a religious service in the Chapel?

The title of “Chapel” does not have the religious meaning, but was taken from the medieval sense of a guild hall for printers. The main room was first used as a center for book illuminating, home theatricals, lectures and stereo-optician slide shows, later being converted into an art gallery, display and sales room. For the last few decades the Chapel was the home to the Town of Aurora’s municipal government, but they moved out of the building in the Fall of 2012. The structure is currently under restoration and is open to the public on special occasions.